Hello, I'm Amanda, and in this episode I tell my version of the story: ‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’ originally written by The Brothers Grimm. This is one of the few fairy tales with a Christmas theme, and my story features three very helpful singing elves who come to the aid of a kind-hearted shoemaker and his wife, just when they need it the most. This is a magical story and its themes of kindness and giving are perfect listening for any time of year! Hope you enjoy it! Story written by Amanda Kane-Smith (Based on the original by The Brothers Grimm) Sound editor- Miles Kane-Smith Theme music ..read more

In this episode, Amanda tells the story of The Baker’s Daughter This is an old English Folk Tale about a Baker’s daughter who pays a magical price for her lack of kindness. It’s a little bit spooky this one, so if you are listening with young children it may not be the best episode for bedtime! Having said that, children do love a spooky tale! . I’m not sure of the stories exact origin, but there is lots of evidence that in older versions of the story, the Old Woman character was in fact Jesus. This is referenced by Shakespeare in Hamlet (Act 4 Scene 5) when Ophelia says: "……….They say the owl ..read more

In this episode, Amanda tells TWO classic stories: ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’ and ‘The Quangle Wangle’s Hat’ Both stories are nonsense poems by Edward Lear. They are full of fabulous creatures, invented words and imaginary places. They are perfect to tickle both little minds and big minds alike! While these stories are not traditional tales in the true sense, they are so well-loved and such classics, that I couldn’t resist including them in an episode! Stories written by Edward Lear Theme music: ‘Funny’ by Miles Kane-Smith Incidental music: Miles Kane-Smith and Mischief Afoot If you like this ..read more

In this episode, Amanda tells the classic fairy tale of The Enormous Turnip. When Farmer Macdonald begins to harvest his turnips, he sees one turnip has grown bigger than all the rest. In fact, it is the biggest turnip he has ever seen and he’s going to need a lot of help to pull this one out! The Enormous Turnip is a cumulative tale and its simplicity makes it hugely popular with children and great fun to join in with.   Story written by Amanda Kane-Smith (Based on the Russian fairy tale written by Aleksey Nikolayevich Tolstoy) Theme music: ‘Funny’ by Miles Kane-Smith Incidenta ..read more

In this episode, Amanda tells the classic fairy tale of The Three Billy Goats Gruff "Who's that trip-trapping over MY bridge?" When a bridge is built over the river, a herd of goats is excited to finally be able to cross to the lush green grass on the other side. That is until a greedy troll, who's favourite food is goat, moves in underneath it. Luckily for the herd, three billy goats called Gruff arrive and come up with a cunning plan to outwit the greedy troll!    Story written by Amanda Kane-Smith (Based on the Norwegian fairy tale)  Theme music: ‘Funny’ by Miles Kane-Smith I ..read more

In this episode, Amanda tells the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. When Little Red Riding Hood goes to visit her Grandmother, she encounters a cunning wolf along the way. Having found out where Grandmother lives, he intends to eat both little Red Riding Hood and her Grandmother for his lunch! But has the wolf bitten off more than he can chew as Little Red Riding Hood and her Grandmother come together to defeat the furry trickster.....     Story written by Amanda Kane-Smith (Based on the fairy tale by Charles Perrault) Theme music: ‘Funny’ by Miles Kane-Smith Incidental musi ..read more

In this episode, Amanda tells the story of Nail Soup, based on an old Scandinavian folk tale.... When an old tramp stumbles across a cottage in a forest on a cold Winters night, he asks the old woman who lives there for a bed and to warm his toes by her fire. Reluctantly she agrees. In return for her hospitality, he offers to make Nail Soup! All he needs is a pan, some water and a 4 inch nail…….and maybe a few other bits and bobs to bring out the flavour!   Story written by Amanda Kane-Smith (Based on the traditional Swedish Folk Tale) Theme music: 'Funny' by Miles Kane-Smith Inciden ..read more